IN
THE
WIND
P44
SPENCER NAMED MOTOGP
STEWARDS CHAIRMAN
F
ormerly Fast Freddie Spen-
cer, deposed only by Mar-
quez as the youngest-ever
premier-class champion, will
take up a permanent role in
MotoGP next year, as chairman
of the panel of stewards.
The panel sits in judgment of
riding offenses, and is currently
chaired by race director Mike
Webb. The new appointment will
free Webb to concentrate on the
already onerous race direction
duties.
The rider from Louisiana was
a dazzling talent in his time,
defeating "King Kenny Roberts
for the 500cc title in 1983 at just
21, then taking a unique double
in 1985, winning both the 250cc
and 500cc crowns. All his GP
success was achieved riding a
Honda.
Although he was never able
to reproduce that winning form,
Spencer had sent new stan-
dards in the sport—not only
devastatingly fast, but also with
a reputation as a clean and fair
rider.
After retirement, Spencer ran
a racing school in Las Vegas for
a time; and is still active in clas-
sic revival meetings.
The Stewards Panel com-
prises the chairman and two
other FIM nominees, and are
responsible solely for disciplin-
ary decisions; imposition of
penalties and the adjudication of
protests.
"I appreciate the consider-
ation and respect shown to me
in offering me the position as
chairman," said Spencer in a
written statement, in which he
also spoke of "my passion for
my sport and what it has given
me.
"One of the key factors in
deciding to accept this position
is … this being an opportunity
to be a positive influence and
a constructive, resolving voice
in issues that will arise; … that
can impact the reputation of our
sport. I have spent the majority
of my lifetime developing the
skills required for this position."
Spencer will take up the posi-
tion for the 2019 season.
Michael Scott
Freddie Spencer is now working
fulltime for MotoGP.
PHOTOGRAPHY
BY
GOLD
&
GOOSE
